Barnyard Grass (2)

Barnyard Grasses grow in moist, disturbed soil by roadsides, ditches, ponds and cultivated fields. The lower part of the stems may be maroon or purplish. The leaves are flat and wide with a prominent white mid-rib which can also be purplish. Where the leaf meets the stem there are no hairs or membrane. This is unique to the Echinocholoa genus amongst grasses. The seed heads are compact before spreading out.

Echinochloa crus-galli

Barnyard Grass
Echinochloa crus-galli

Family: Grass (Poaceae)
AKA: Cockspur
Photo taken on: August 19, 2014
Location: Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM
Life Zones: Plains and foothills
Habitat: Disturbed soil, gardens, moist areas

Grows to 5ft tall with a smooth, stout stem and tight clusters of purplish-green seed heads.

Echinochloa muricata

Rough Barnyard Grass
Echinochloa muricata var. microstachya

Family: Grass (Poaceae)
AKA:
Photo taken on: August 3, 2012
Location: Rio Chama Recreation Area, NM
Life Zones: Plains and foothills
Habitat: Disturbed, moist areas

Grows to 5ft. Very similar to E. crus-galli above but distinguished by having no bristles on the seed heads. Flowers are purple or purple-streaked. There is also a distinct U shape on the leaf where it meets the stem (bottom right in photo).

Grasses, Sedges & Rushes